How to Impress at your Publishing Job Interview

Interviews are a two way process - for you to present your skills and experience to your potential employer and for you to learn more about the company and the role to see if it's right for you.

The employer needs to sell the opportunity to you too!

The best advice we can give you is PREPARATION. Make sure you do plenty of preparation prior to the interview.

Basics:

• Have a copy of your CV with you and make sure you have re-read it recently.
• Take examples of material you have worked on and be prepared to show and demonstrate your involvement if asked.
• Dress code - dress smartly. You must look well presented and professional.

The role:

• Read the Job Description carefully. Make notes regarding your suitability and any questions you have about what the role entails.
• Have answers ready for those basic interview questions such as 'What are your strengths/weaknesses?' Practice your responses and have examples to hand of achievements/problems you have overcome.

Company:

• Look at the company website, research any current news, who are their authors? Get a feel for the size and culture.
• Who are their competitors?

Logistics:

• Plan your journey and make sure you know where to go, how to get there and who you will be meeting with. Leave plenty of time for your journey and allow for delays.

Format:

• Find out if possible what the format will be - how long will it last? Will there be tests or assessments during the interview? Is it an informal chat or a formal panel format?

At the publishing job interview

Body language:

• Start with a smile, this should help to build rapport with your
  interviewer(s).
• Stay as relaxed as possible. If you've done your preparation there shouldn't be any major surprises.
• Maintain good eye contact
• Avoid fidgeting and fiddling - be aware of any nervous habits you might have and make an effort to avoid them.

Listen carefully to the questions and take your time to answer. Answer fully but don't waffle - stay focussed.

Use the opportunity to sell yourself - give examples of achievements where possible.

Be positive about previous roles and employers even if there were issues. Try to emphasise the positives.

Find out what the next stage of the interview process will be, 2nd interview or date to hear back by.

Ask any questions you might have at the end - make sure not to dwell just on salary and benefit queries though!

Cardinal sins:

• Being late
• Your mobile ringing
• Being negative about your last job / company